Trucking in South Dakota

In South Dakota, dry van rates average $2.35/mile, reefer rates average $2.65/mile, and flatbed rates average $2.85/mile. Actual rates vary by lane, season, and load specifics.

South Dakota scores 8/10 on our owner-operator friendliness scale. The state has low freight volume with abundant truck parking availability. Key industries driving freight include Agriculture, Tourism, Finance.

Key trucking regulations in South Dakota include: No state income tax. Sioux Falls is main freight hub. I-90 blizzard closures multiple times per winter. Ag loads seasonal but pay well. The state fuel tax rate is 28.0 cents per gallon.

The major freight highways in South Dakota are I-90, I-29, US-83, US-14. These corridors connect the state's key freight cities: Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen. No toll roads.

Truck driver earnings in South Dakota vary by equipment type and experience. Based on current South Dakota freight rates, a dry van owner-operator running 120,000 miles/year can expect to gross $240,000-$310,000 annually. After expenses (fuel, insurance, maintenance), net take-home typically ranges from $72,000-$140,000. Reefer and flatbed operators often earn more — $2.65/mile and $2.85/mile respectively. Company drivers in South Dakota generally earn $55,000-$75,000 depending on the carrier and route type.

The primary freight corridors in South Dakota run along I-90, I-29, US-83, plus US-14. These routes connect major freight hubs like Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen and serve the state's top industries: Agriculture, Tourism, Finance. Major shippers along these corridors include Smithfield Foods (Sioux Falls) and Daktronics. Freight volume on South Dakota corridors is rated low, making it important to pre-book loads to avoid deadhead miles.

Standard operations in South Dakota require a valid USDOT number, MC authority (for interstate), and SD base plates or IRP registration. For oversize/overweight loads, South Dakota requires permits — contact the South Dakota DOT for permit details. Standard FMCSA hazmat endorsements apply for dangerous goods. The state motor fuel excise tax is roughly 28.0 cents/gallon; interstate carriers report fuel tax through IFTA, using the official quarterly IFTA rate matrix.

Major shippers and carriers operating in South Dakota include Smithfield Foods (Sioux Falls), Daktronics, Amazon FSD1, Trail King Industries. These companies generate consistent freight across the state's top industries: Agriculture, Tourism, Finance, Beef processing. For owner-operators, South Dakota's low freight volume means building direct shipper relationships is key to staying loaded. Key freight cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City are good places to establish regular lanes.

Compared to nearby states like Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, South Dakota ranks favorably with a 8/10 owner-operator friendliness score. South Dakota has low freight volume and a fuel tax of 28.0 cents/gallon. Illinois has a fuel tax of 46.7 cents/gallon for comparison. Factors like abundant truck parking and seasonal weather challenges also affect profitability.

South Dakota's state motor fuel excise tax is around 28.0 cents per gallon, on top of the federal 24.4 cents/gallon on diesel. This is roughly in line with the national average. Major truck stops along I-90 and I-29 offer competitive diesel pricing. For a truck averaging 6.5 MPG over 10,000 miles/month, monthly fuel expense in South Dakota varies based on current pump prices. IFTA-registered carriers file quarterly to reconcile fuel taxes across states — use the official IFTA, Inc. quarterly tax rate matrix for filing figures rather than the approximate rate above, since diesel and gasoline are taxed at different rates in many states and the rates change quarterly. No toll roads.